1982: Mark Thatcher missing in Sahara
The British Prime Minister's son has been reported missing in the Sahara desert while taking part in an international motor race.
Mark Thatcher, his co-driver and mechanic were last seen two days ago near the Mali-Algerian border. They were competing in the Paris-Dakar rally.
Margaret Thatcher was said to be "very upset and very distressed".
The prime minister, though under obvious strain, is carrying out her appointments as normal.
A spokeswoman for the race's organisers, the Paris-based Automobile Sports Association, said they had seen traces of tyre tracks near Mr Thatcher's last known location, but that there was no sign of him now. Reports of sightings of Mr Thatcher's white Peugeot 504 in two different parts of the country are being treated with caution.
This is Mr Thatcher's first Paris-Dakar rally, but he told the BBC before the race that this did not worry him. "I've now raced in Le Mans and other things - this rally is no problem," he said.
Despite the harsh terrain and lack of reliable information the ASA remains optimistic about finding Mr Thatcher and his team soon. Although drivers have lost their way during other Paris-Dakar races, they have always been found quickly.
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15 January 1982